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Improving the mineral reserves and protein quality of maize (Zea mays L.) kernels using unique genes

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Abstract

The effects of the maize genes, o 2 and Mal, on the concentrations of mineral nutrient cations and amino acid levels in mature maize (Zea mays L) kernels of various inbred lines were studied. Previously, the o 2 gene has been used to improve the protein quality and increase the mineral nutrient content of kernels from some inbred lines. Genotypes possessing the Mal (multiple aleurone layer) gene, contain more than one row of aleurone cells in their kernels and this gene enhances the effect of the o 2gene on improving kernel protein quality. Incorporating these genes into the maize genome increased accumulation of several mineral nutrients (including Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) in some of the experimental lines studied. The physiological basis for this increase of mineral nutrients in the kernels is discussed. The effect of the Mal gene on the kernel amino acid composition and protein quality was also examined. Possibly, these genes could be used in combination in breeding programs to improve kernel quality and nutritional value of maize.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS U.S. Plant, Soil and Nutrition Laboratory, Ithaca, NY

    R. M. Welch, D. R. van Campen & S. C. Schaefer

  2. Department of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

    M. E. Smith

Authors
  1. R. M. Welch
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  2. M. E. Smith
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  3. D. R. van Campen
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  4. S. C. Schaefer
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Welch, R.M., Smith, M.E., van Campen, D.R. et al. Improving the mineral reserves and protein quality of maize (Zea mays L.) kernels using unique genes. Plant Soil 155, 215–218 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00025022

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